Basic Cancer Info

Information everyone should have :)

Below are patient advocate info links that you may have missed.  They were recorded during our targeted therapies forum but these pieces are valuable to anyone. 

 

Nutrition during cancer treatment

 

Finding resources for patient and caregivers

 

I joined GRACE as a caregiver for my husband who had a Pancoast tumor, NSCLC stage III in 2009. He had curative chemo/rads then it was believed he had a recurrence in the spine/oligometastasis that was radiated. He's 10 years out from treatment.

Ischial body

Recently had the 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) PET/CT scan done, whole body. I had a few nodes in my saliva glands, but in addition, the other abnormality is Unilateral Ischium Body SUV of 4.6. The report does not state the size, so would that indicated the ‘whole left’ ischial body is affected? The SUV 4.6 is elevated for that small bone.
I have had positive Bence Jones blood and urine proteins and positive protein electrophoresis with no M spike. I have very intractable symptoms of bone pain, lower abdomen pain and exhaustion.

Kimberly Winslow

22 Months into Tagrisso and looks like it's stopped working

At 58, my dad as a non-smoker was diagnosed with stage 3c, assumed 4, adenocarcinoma of the lung. It's spread to his local lymph nodes and also into his trachea and more than likely his adrenal glands. He found out he has a gene mutation, EFGR exon 19. So he went on Tagrisso and has had Amazing success over the last 22 months, and a free 22 months is nothing to balk at I know it's a big deal. But thursday we got the news that it looks like two new masses have sprouted up and the main one has grown slightly.

Oligoptogression with Alecensa

Hi, my mother was diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma with brain metastases 15 months ago. After all the analyses, it was determined that he has a mutation for which he is suitable to take Alecensa-Alectinib. After the initial use, her condition improved drastically. An intermediate CT scan from more than a month ago shows progression at one point, in the primary tumor. Head metastases are smaller. So, oligoprogression is at one point. We are a little disappointed because we read that Alecensa works for up to 37 months.

IMA

Forums

In 2020 I had left lower lobectomy for a single nodule 17 mm x11 mm with diagnosis of Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma. No lymph or pleural involvement but STAS was present according to pathology report. Subsequent scans have shown a very small nodule in upper left lobe which is “slightly more conspicuous”. My surgeon has ordered Ct with contrast for my next scan in December. I had a repeat VATS two weeks after the first surgery due to a rather large hemothorax 1.8 liters and had a transfusion.

Podcasts on GRACE

Article

Podcasts are available weekly on the GRACE site


GRACE information is available in many formats - including podcasts!  

We have a weekly podcast series mirroring our produced video programs.  52 times per year we offer a weekly podcast with the latest in cancer treatment education.  If you are someone who diligently listens to podcasts in the car, in your office, or about the house, download and subscribe to the weekly offering from our programs.  

 

Better Communication Leads to Better Outcomes for Cancer Patients

How easy or difficult do you find communicating with your care team?

I came across this discussion by Dr. West, Better Communication Leads to Better Outcomes for Cancer Patients

I would say if you find yourself in a situation where your "communication" isn't taken as a serious piece of your cancer management remind your onc of this study...have the study especially the conclusion bookmarked or printed out to share.

I joined GRACE as a caregiver for my husband who had a Pancoast tumor, NSCLC stage III in 2009. He had curative chemo/rads then it was believed he had a recurrence in the spine/oligometastasis that was radiated. He's 10 years out from treatment.
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